Germany cave rescue

After spending nearly two weeks underground, an injured German caver was hauled out of the country's deepest cavern Thursday by a multinational rescue operation that involved more than 700 people.

Johann Westhauser, an experienced caver, had gone into the Riesending cave system in the Alps with two companions to carry out research and measurements. He was hit in the head during a June 8 rock fall while nearly 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) underground.

After lengthy preparations, rescue teams five days later began the arduous task of hauling him up through a labyrinth of narrow passages and precipitous vertical shafts.

Rescuers brought the 52-year-old the final 180 meters (590 feet) to the surface Thursday and immediately sent him to a hospital. (AP)

Find more news related pictures on our photo galleries page and follow us on Tumblr.